Czech Kolache

This is a kolache recipe from the Czech Republic.

Original recipe makes 4 dozen

Ingredients

1/2 cup warm water
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted shortening
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 eggs
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup raisins
2 cups cottage cheese

Directions

Pour yeast into 1/2 cup of lukewarm water. Set aside to soak.
In a separate bowl mix together 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup melted shortening and 2 cups sifted flour. Beat well. Add in 2 beaten eggs and yeast mixture and mix well. Set aside to rest until bubbly and spongy.
Add 3 1/2 cups of flour and blend well. Set aside to rise for 1 hour. Punch down and let rise again for 1 hour.
To Make Filling: Beat together 2 egg yolks, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons flour and 1 cup of raisins. Add cottage cheese and mix well.
Pinch off 1 inch balls from dough and press an indentation in the center of each. Put filling in. Let rise 15 minutes, then bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) until golden – 12-18 minutes.